The term chronograph comes from the Greek phrases for time; “chronos” and writing: “graph” and it is interpreted more today to be about the recording of time rather than the writing of time. In fact the annotation of term chronological is “arranged in the order of time.”
Although numerous watches may boast having a chronograph function, a true chronograph is a timepiece with both independent stop watch and display functions on the dial. Both Breitling and TAG Heuer were instrumental in the development of chronographs.
In 1882 Edouard Heuer introduced the first independent chronograph stop-watch function on a pocket watch. He followed five years later with the development of an oscillating pinion mechanism, a movement which is currently still used in the craftsmanship of mechanical chronographs by many watchmakers.
Heuer later introduced the first wristwatch chronograph in 1914 and the Micrograph two year later, which holds the distinction of being the very first stopwatch accurate to 1/100th of a second.
Breitling is responsible for the development of the push-pieces, which operate the stop-watch functions on a chronograph. In 1915, the brand launched the first independent chronograph push-piece. It perfected the system of stop/start functions on its chronographs in 1923, developing a resetting mechanism useful for the timing of sporting events and calculation of flight times. In 1934, Breitling accomplished a breakthrough in horological history with the development of the second independent reset push-piece for its chronographs.
Premium chronograph watches from Breitling, Corum, Porsche Design, IWC, Chopard, Oris, Ebel, Raymond Weil, Luminox, Bell & Ross, Apina and more are highlighted this week at TheWatchery.com during our High-End Men’s Chronograph Event. Over 87 popular models are featured in the promotion, including both automatic and quartz styles.
The Breitling Windrider Chronomat Flying Fish Chronograph is exceptional choice. This premium crafted Swiss-made men’s automatic watch has been awarded official Chronometer Certification from the esteemed COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Test Institute).
The round, contoured case in premium grade stainless steel is highly polished to a mirror-bright glow. The case is presented on a handsome multi-link bracelet in polished stainless steel. The unidirectional rotating bezel in stainless steel features legible engraved markers. The black dial features small-second, 30-minute and 12-hour sub-dials, luminous hands and hour markers.
Features include a glare proof, scratch resistant sapphire crystal above the dial, along with a locking screw-down crown and case back for water resistance to 500 meters or 1,650 feet. Breitling Windrider Chronomat is 44mm in diameter and 17mm thick.
Oris is a brand highly regarded for its state-of-the-art automatic and mechanical watch movements. The Oris Artix Automatic Chronograph offers a highly distinguished profile for today’s man with a brushed and polished premium grade stainless steel case, presented on a black alligator-textured leather strap with a deployment clasp closure for added convenience.
The integrated, stationary bezel surrounds the black dial with three subdials, luminous hands and hour markers. Features include an automatic date calendar, small-second, 30-minute and 12-hour registers. An exhibition skeleton case back lets you see the intricate automatic movement inside.
Additional features include a scratch resistant sapphire crystal above the dial and water-resistance to 100 meters or 330 feet. Oris Artix men’s chronograph is 44m in diameter and 16mm thick.
Master-jeweler Chopard is celebrated for its luxury high-end timepieces and the Chopard Imperiale Automatic Chronograph does not disappoint. This impeccably crafted men’s timepiece features classic architectural inspired styling with a perfectly round case and horizontal link bracelet attached by column design lugs. Both the case and bracelet are crafted in premium grade stainless steel and are highly polished to a lustrous patina.
A blue cabochon-cut stone on the granular crown adds distinction. The stationary bezel surrounds the chronograph dial with a silver-colored sunray outer dial, Mother-of-Pearl center, three sub-dials, luminous sword hands and hour markers. Features include an automatic date calendar, small-second, 30-minute and 12-hour registers.
Additional features include a scratch resistant sapphire crystal above the dial and water-resistance to 50 meters or 165 feet. Chopard Imperiale Automatic Chronograph is 40mm in diameter and 9mm thick.
Bell & Ross is noted for its professional wristwatches and you’re certain to soar to new heights with the Bell & Ross Pilot Chronograph for men on your wrist. This high-performance wristwatch has a round contoured case in premium grade stainless steel in a satiny brushed finish. The attractive horizontal link bracelet in brushed stainless steel has a fold-over locking clasp for added security.
The metallic silver-colored dial has a tachymeter outer dial, three sub-dials, automatic day and date windows, black outlined luminous hands and Arabic numeral hour markers. Features include small-second, 30-minute and 12-hour registers.
Additional features include a scratch resistant sapphire crystal above the dial, along with a locking screw-down crown and case back for water-resistance to 200 meters or 660 feet. Bell & Ross Pilot men’s chronograph is 41mm in diameter and 16mm thick.
Complimentary shipping and returns are included on all domestic watch purchases within the continental United States at TheWatchery.com.
Oris chronograph watch image courtesy of Wiki Commons
